COVID-19 & Our Water Supply
Released 3/18/2020
Amongst the growing concerns over COVID-19 Coronavirus, we want to reassure our customers that your tap water is safe and can continue to be used as usual for drinking and other purposes. Riverside Public Utilities water treatment and delivery systems are fully functioning to provide the most high-quality, safe and reliable drinking water to our customers. We perform more than 22,000 water quality tests from well to tap each year, ensuring our customers receive water that meets or surpasses all state and federal regulations for drinking water quality. COVID-19 Coronavirus has ¬not been detected in drinking water supplies and there is currently no evidence to support that it is transmitted through drinking water.
Riverside Public Utilities is focused on providing continuous service and we encourage our customers to stay alert in order to remain healthy. See below Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19 and Our Water Supply.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is COVID-19 Coronavirus in my tap water?
The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in RPU’s treated drinking-water supplies. Our water supply comes from the ground, which naturally filters and protects the water. Additionally, our water system maintains a high level of disinfection as it removes pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. Our water is tested dozens of times each day and thousands of times each year to ensure our system’s cleanliness and level of treatment meets the strict federal and state drinking water standards and regulations.
Do I need to buy bottled water or store drinking water?
Although people are purchasing bottled water as a precautionary measure for emergency preparedness, tap water can continue to be used as usual for drinking and other purposes. RPU’s water treatment and delivery systems are fully functioning to provide reliable and safe drinking water to our customers.
If COVID-19 continues to spread, can RPU continue to provide water?
RPU is committed to providing reliable, high-quality and safe drinking water to our customers. We have continuity plans set in order to continue to perform all utility operations during a major incident.
RESOURCES
COVID-19 Coronavirus Update
RiversideCA.gov/COVID-19
RPU’s Water Quality
RiversidePublicUtilities.com/Residents/Your-Water.asp
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA.gov/Coronavirus/Coronavirus-And-Drinking-Water-And-Wastewater
